Radlett's Howard Guard is Hertfordshire's new High Sheriff.

Howard, of Watling Street, is a film director who has made television commercials for the past 30 years.

He is one of 51 High Sheriffs across the country and now fills one of the oldest posts in the UK - one which pre-dates the Norman conquest.

The 1,000-year-old position is still appointed by the monarch and is confirmed after the Queen has pricked the new sheriff's name into a piece of parchment.

While the responsibilities given to the county sheriff used to include law enforcement, collecting taxes for the monarch and organising a posse to accompany and protect visiting judges, the role today is much more limited.

And although Howard is respectful of its long history, he hopes to use his new position to help boost community projects across the county.

"I think the now, the present, is more important than the past," he said.

During his year in office, Howard will look to raise money for Go Get It, a project that aims to fund adult mentors for young offenders, which is based at the YMCA in Watford.

Indeed the 61-year-old is already busy organising a hot air balloon race in September and a summer opera to raise money for the charity.

For more information or to offer sponsorship for any of the High Sheriff's forthcoming events, you can contact Howard at howardguard@netherwylde.com.